UK construction output remains flat in July 2014

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has released its latest estimates of output in the construction industry in July 2014 and for new orders in 2Q14.

There was estimated to be no growth in the seasonally adjusted estimate of construction output in July 2014 compared with June 2014. By type of work, however, there were variations, with increases in infrastructure (3.3%), private commercial (1%) and total housing (0.8%); largely offset by a decrease in non-housing repair and maintenance (4.1%). Despite this, non-housing repair and maintenance was estimated to be at its highest level since the monthly series began in January 2010.

In July 2014, output in the construction industry showed continued year-on-year growth for the 14th consecutive month, increasing by 2.6%. However, this growth was the weakest since November 2013 (1.5%).

New orders for construction in 2Q14 were estimated to be 3.8% higher than in 1Q14. There were increases in infrastructure (20.8%), private commercial (9.6%), public new housing (7.3%), and public other new work (0.3%). Private new housing and private industrial fell by 6.3% and 1.9%, respectively. Despite these falls, the levels of these series were still higher than the downturn in this series which began in 1Q09.

Access the Statistical Bulletin: Output in the Construction Industry, July 2014 and New Orders 2Q14 here.